The City of Ashland has reached a tentative agreement with IBEW Electric and is in the process of negotiating additional union contracts. The City unveiled a comprehensive Classification and Compensation Study, its first since 2008. Funded through the 2023/2025 Biennium Budget, this study was conducted in partnership with McGrath Human Resources Group to review all employee classifications, compensation, benefits and job descriptions.
The City Council’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and equitable workplace led to this thorough review aimed at correcting market discrepancies and setting cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for the next three years. The study supports the City’s goal of positioning Ashland as an employer of choice by ensuring internal equity, market competitiveness and a transparent framework for classifications, promotions and negotiations.
On May 20, 2025, McGrath Human Resources Group presented the final executive report at the City Council Regular Business Meeting, outlining proposed salary increases and adjustments grounded in market data.
For detailed information, please visit ashlandoregon.gov/HumanResources:
- Classification and Compensation Study Final Executive Report
- Presentation by McGrath
- Comparables and Proposed Increases
- Unrepresented has a proposed average increase of $2.18 (5%) per hour in 2025, $0.95 per hour in 2026 (2%) and $0.97 (2%) per hour in 2027.
- IBEW Electric has a proposed average increase of $2.87 (5%) per hour increase for 2025, $1.78 (3%) per hour for 2026 and $1.59 (3%) per hour for 2027.
Additional resources include:
- Historical CPI (Consumer Pricing Index) vs COLA trends over the past decade
- Percentage changes by position
Note: City Manager, City Attorney, and Parks & Recreation Director salaries are subject to contract terms.
Further updates will be provided following ongoing negotiations for various bargaining units. We are Better Together!
#end